New Pump decision for my 500+ system

malalite

New member
My current pump was a dart? I bought it used and it only lasted a couple of weeks but I was very happy with how it worked and would like to stay with Reeflo. My Return line to my fish tank is 1 ½ Sch40 pipe with sch80 bulkheads. On the return from the Pump there are two ¾ inch T's taking some water to recirculate to 4 different tanks that are holding plants/frag tank/ect. There are valves on these runs to restrict flow. My system water is traveling upwards about 4 ½ feet total from the pump sitting on the floor. The length that it is traveling from the pump to the tank is about 15 feet + horizontally. The distance to the feed the pump water is only 6 inches.
I know the new super dart will give about 10% more flow...if I need more then the Goby pump would be next...this is the smallest of the next series...it has more pressure capacity and a max flow of about 3200 gph and it only draws about 195 watts...
So the Goby is the next series and it has 3200 gph instead of the new darts 4500 but the goby has more pressure"¦
In this setup would I be better with more pressure or more GPH?
Any large tank people out there who have gone from More GPH to more pressure or more pressure to more GPH?
 
I will say it is on a different level. The only price I could find on the Triton 420 Eco was almost 2,000 us dollars for that german pump. While Retail for the Reeflo pump is no more than 500 and you can find a lot better deals than that if you look around. If I am looking in the wrong places let me know....
 
Since I have had limited response on this thread I will do this an educational piece in-case anyone else ever has the same questions. If I had a single pipe with single multiple outs on my tank I would just go by height and GPH...As regardless to the pressure it should be that GPH at that height because gravity is supplying the back pressure. When I have the two T's that can bleed off water for other smaller tanks before the water gets to the main tank, I believe the additional pressure keeps the flow higher to the main tank even with the additional bleeds when comparing to the Dart to the Goby. Thus even though the Goby has a lower flow at a rated height I believe it will do better with the other pipes to additional tanks. I am now going to see if there is a way to kick the Goby up a notch. I will let you know my findings.
 
I've had very poor customer service from reeflo. My next pump will be Diamond Series Dolphin Amp Master Pump (marine grade). They claim to have much better seals than reeflo.
 
Claims are great, but they actually have virtually the same seals. I've had nothing but the best from Chris. Time and place thing probably. I have both pumps and prefer the reeflo's.

As far as the orginal question, go with a sequence 1000 4500seq21, I just sold mine but LOVED it. slight pressure rating,yet 4500 gph at 5-6', talk about heavy duty seals, 50% larger than a darts. good luck
 
I will say it is on a different level. The only price I could find on the Triton 420 Eco was almost 2,000 us dollars for that german pump. While Retail for the Reeflo pump is no more than 500 and you can find a lot better deals than that if you look around. If I am looking in the wrong places let me know....

It should be much cheaper, but I think you need the smaller one which is cheaper still.

But it is digitally controllable. You can slow it right down to zero rpm if you want.
It tells you when you need to clean it.
It tells you about errors.
You can buy a module that will even tell you it's core temp. You can have random flow, create waves etc etc

Like I said, a whole different level.

You get what you pay for........

Mo
 
i use a reef flo on my 538 and love it...its quiet and very strong. i think its the hammerhaed, but im not 100% positive.
 
I ended up talking with Chris from Reeflo. He seemed very nice and was very helpful. I am getting the New Dart Gold. Since the highest pipe from pump spot is only 4.5 feet the dart should have enough pressure. Most of my piping is going horizontally. The dart will end up giving me about 15% more than my old pump.
What do you guys do for a backup plan if your pump fails? Do you keep a spare? If I was live with this tank it would have been over 1 week from failure to replacement(once I made my mind up and ordered).
Thanks
 
Still very good pumps and were on my shortlist until the Abyzz pumps showed up.

Keep a spare.They always break down over Xmas with 2 bank holidays ahead!.

Mo
 
yes if at all possable keep a spare ,even if its a used unit just to limp you through . i have a hammerhead and have a backup barracuda for the holidays .
 
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